Loom harness



vJuly 14, 1936.

J. J. vKAUFMANN 2,047,511

LOOM HARNESS Filed Oct. 27, 1954 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Julyw14, 1936. J.J. KAUFMANN I 2,047,511

LOOM-HARNESS Patented July 14, 1936 amsn Loom mamies John Jacob Kaufmann, Elkins Park, Pa., assignor to Steel lieddlc Manufacturing Company, Philadelphia, Pa.. a corporation of Pennsylvania Application ombuz'z, 1934, sensi No. '150,250

lscmm. (ci. 139-922) This invention relates to loom harness, and relates more particularly to a novel construction of heddle frame' and the heddles used in connection therewith. l

The present invention will be found particularly useful where it is desired to insert the warp through the heddle by means of the warp drawing machines which are now in use. For such purpose it is essential that the heddles be perv mitted entire freedom of movement upon their supporting rods,v without being obstructed by the supporting hooks which are commonly used in loom harness frames of the ordinary types.

Heretofore it has been customary, when warp drawing machines were used for drawing in the warp in loom harness in which dat steel heddles were used, to perform such operations apart from the heddle frames, because the hooks or other devices used in the frames for supporting the heddle rods intermediate their ends formed ob.

structions which interfered with the manipulations of the warp drawing machines, and no satisfactory heddle framel has heretoforebeen devised in which the heddles were free to move past the heddle rod supporting devices.

dies mounted therein, which are so constructed and arranged that the heddles may have complete freedom of movement upon their supporting rods, notwithstanding that the heddle supporting rods are supported in the frame at various places intermediate their ends. Y

A further object of the invention isvto provide` a loom harness frame of the character afore-y said,- in which the heddle supporting rods may, if desired, be taken out of the frame without removing the `heddles therefrom.

A further object of the invention is to provide a. novel form of heddle which is particularly adaptable for use in a heddle frame of the character aforesaid, but which also has certain inherent advantages, as will be hereinafter pointed out.'

A further object of the invention is to provide improved means, in a harness frame, for supporting the heddle rods intermediate their ends. The nature and characteristic features of the invention will be more readily understood from the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings forming part hereof, in which I Figure 1 is afront elevation of a loom harness 5 frame, and heddles mounted therein, embodying the main features of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a face view of one of the heddles shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a similar view of another of the hed- 10 dles shown in Fig. l;

Fig. 4 is a similarview of a modified form of heddle, which may be employed when the warp is entered by hand instead of by means of a warp drawing machine; l5

Fig. 5 is an enlarged sectional view takenapproximately on'the line 5-5 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary elevational view, enlarge'd, of a portion of the structure, illustrating principally the preferred means for supporting 20 the heddle rods intermediate their ends;

Fig. 'l is a fragmentary perspective View of a portion of one of the heddle rods, and a portion of one of the 4devices for supporting said rodsl intermediate their ends shown in operative rela- 25 tonship therewith; and- Fig. 8 is a similar perspective view illustrating a modified form of yheddle supporting rod, in

which the device for supporting the same intermediate its ends is connected directlythereto. 30

It will, of course, be understood that the description and drawings herein contained are illustrative merely, and that various modifications and changes may be made in the structure disclosed without departing from the spirit of the 35l invention.

Referring to the drawings, the heddle frame proper maybe of any preferred construction. For example, as shown, the same comprises top and bottom rails Il), connected at their ends by 40 end4 struts II. The heddle supporting rods I2 are of peculiar construction, being formed from strips of relatively thin metal bent to a flattened C shape, thereby` to provide internal grooves I3 and a-longitudinally extending slot I4 45 on one side of each heddle rod.

The ends of the heddle rods I2 extend through slots in the end struts II in the usualmanner. Each of the projecting end `portions of each heddle rod is provided with an aperture I5 which 50 is engaged by the hooked end of a spring retaining member IS. Various other frms of re- "taining means at the ends of the heddle rods may be used if desired, although it has been found that spring members such as are shown in my pre- 55 vious Letters Patent No. 1,780,786 are satisfactory for the present purpose.

The means for supporting the heddle rods I2 intermediate their ends is shown in enlarged detail in Figs. 5, 6 and 7 of the drawings and comprises essentially a plate member I1 positioned in the interior of the heddle rod I2, and means for supporting said plate member from the rail of the frame. The plate member I1 is preferably mounted on the lower end of a metallic bracket' member Il, which extends outwardly from said plate member, as at I3, through the slot Il in the side of the heddle rod, andthence to'ward the rail Il, where it is integrally joined to the lower end of a bolt member 2l which .is

positioned in said rail.

tioned between the inner face of. a plate 2l and the outer face of a washer 23.

The washer is seated in a suitably shaped counterbore in the rail III, and the plate 24 is attached to the rail Il by means of wood screws 23. The arrangement is such that the frictional tension on the flange employed if desired.

The preferred form of nection with the present invention is shown in Figs. 2 and 3 of the drawings. The heddles 3l there shown are preferably made from thin fiat strips ofmetal of a width corresponding to the widest portion o'f the heddle. The central portion 3| of the heddle 30 is preferably 'left the full width of the strip, as is also each end pornon az thereof, but the para or the hedeue between the central portion and the respective end portions are sheared down to a considerably narrower width, as at 33, for a purpose to be presently explained.

The central portion 3I-of the, heddle is provided with the usual punched warp eye 34, the

shariks of which may. if desired, be formed in bowed conformation out of the main plane of the heddle proper. The central portion 3l Yis left the full width of the strip for a greater length than would be required merely for the warp eye,

'in order to permit the punching above the warp eye of a keyhole slot 35, which is provided when the warp is to be entered by means of a warp drawing machine. Certain of the heddles have the narrow portion of the keyhole slot lextending downwardly, while the alternate heddles have the keyhole slot punched with thev narrow portion extending upwardly, as shown respectively in Figs. 2 and 3 of the drawings.

'I'he unpunched part 36 of the central portion 3l of .the heddle below the warp eye 3l, which is left the full width of the strip, is provided for engagement by that part of the mechanism of thej warp drawing machine which is used for twisting the heddle to enable theineedle of the warp drawing machine to pass freely through the eye 434,

heddie for use in con-- vtially midway of the extension of the slot 31, so

that when the heddles are slid sidewise on the rods I2,- they will pass freely without being ob- 10 structed by the outwardly extending portion I9 of the bracket portion I8 of the bolt member 20.

By this arrangement, there are provided, at each end portion 32 of the heddle, a solid strip 33 which extends over the face of the solid side 15 of the heddle rod I2, and fingers on the other side of said heddle rod, which engage the faces of the lip portions of the rod.

It should here be noted that the slot 31 provided at each end 32 of the heddle is of a length 20 greater than the width of the heddle rod I2, so as to permit the heddles to have the usual and necessary slight up and down movement on the heddle rods, which permits the heddles to accommodate themselves 4to the positions of the 25 warp ends controlled thereby. The width of theopening 33 in one side of each end portion 32 of the heddle is such that in the uppermost and -lowermost positions of the heddles on the rods I2; the fingers 4I! will clear the outwardly extend- 30 ing'portion I3 of the bracket portion I8 of the bolt member 2K3.

It should also be noted that the opening 38 at one side of one end portion of the heddle is preferably on the opposite side from the opening 33 35 at the other end 32 of the heddle, the heddle rods I2 being correspondingly mounted in the frame, with the slots Il thereof disposed on opposite faces of the frame.

When loom harness constructed as hereinbe-J 4o fore described is employed, and it is desired to draw in the warp, it will not be necessary to remove the heddles from the frame, but the frame may be mounted directly in the warp drawing machine. When so mounted, the selector of the warp drawing machine, operating through the keyhole slots 35 provided in the heddles, will cause the heddles to be separated one by one, and brought to the proper position for the insertion cf the needle through the warp eye 34 of each heddle. 50

As the warp drawing machines are usually provided with means for twisting the central portion of the heddle, thereby to present the Widest possible opening of the warp eye to the needle, the heddle is preferably left the full width, as at 36, for a certain distance below the warp eye 34, for engagement by the twisting mechanism, of the warp drawing machine.

It should also be noted that, by reason of the reduction in the width of the heddles in the por G0 tions 33 thereof which extend from the relatively wider central portion 3l to the end portions 32, the twisting of the central portion of the heddle may be accomplished with greater facility and without placing undue strain on the end portions which are mounted on the rods I2.

This is particularly important when heddles of the type shown in Figs. 2 and 3 of the drawings are employed, as by reason of the cutting away of the central -part of one of the side portions of 7'0 each end 32 of the heddle, it is necessary to minimize the strain which is imparted to said end portions when the central portion 3| of the heddieA is twisted. It will readily be seen that if the heddles were left throughout of the full width of the strip from which they are made, considerably more force would be required to effect the twisting of the central portion.

,'Furthermore, the reduction in the width of the heddles, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3 of the drawings, brings about a considerable reduction in the weight of the harness, which is an additional advantage.

It will of course be readily apparent that as the warp drawing machine acts on the successive heddles, the heddles will be 'permitted to pass freely from one end of the harness iframe to the other, without being-obstructed by the supporting' -devices provided intermediate the ends.

When it is desired to remove the entire set o! heddles from the loom, the spring retaining members I 6 are released from engagement with the apertures l5 in the ends or the heddle `rods l2, whereupon the heddle rods may be shifted longitudinally for a sufficient distance to free the rods at one end of the frame from the slots in the end struts ii, and. then slid longitudinally in a reverse direction out of the frame. The rods l2, with the heddles mounted thereon, are thus removable as a unit without necessitating the removal of the intermediate supporting devices ings.

from the frame.

In Fig. 4 of the drawings there i`s shown a modied form of heddle, 30B, which is adaptable for use where the warp is entered by hand. Hedd 1es of this type may be made in accordance with the method shown in the patent to Fehr, No. 749,724, these heddles being now well known and extensively used.

However, in the present instance, while the warp eye 3l!a is of the usual form, the metal on one side ofeach ofthe slots 31, provided for mounting the heddles on the supporting rods, is Cut away at its central portion, as at 38B, to provide a structure in this type of heddle similar to that shown in Figs. 2 and 3 of the drawings.

Of course, if desired, the heddles may be made with their end portions formed as shown in Figs. 2 and 3 of the drawings, and with their central portions formed as shown in Fig. 4 of the draw- The heddles may, if desired, be used on heddle rods |28, which are solid in cross-section, as

shown in Fig. 8 of the drawings, and provided with supporting means intermediate their ends extending directly fromone side 'thereof instead of employing the auxiliary plate il shown in Figs. l, 5, 6, and 7 of the drawings.

It will of course be apparent that heddles of either of the types shown in the drawings may be individually removed from the rods, or placed thereon, by merely springing the ngers 4|] of the end portions 32, and this without removing the rods from the frame. Heddles so constructed may be mounted at any desired place in the frame, for the purpose of replacing broken or damaged heddles.

In Fig. 8 of the drawings thereis shown a modiiied form of heddle supporting rod I2, which is made of a solid strip of metaL'similar to the strips commonly usedin heddle frames, but in this instance the device for supporting the rod intermediate its vends is attached directly thereto, instead of to the slide block I1 shown in Figs. 5, 6, and 7. This form, while not having all the advantageous features of the other form shown, may, however,l be used` under certain circumstances.

I claim:

' 1. In a. loom harness frame, heddle supporting rods removably mounted therein, each comprising a thin metallic member having internal grooves and a longitudinally extending side openlng; and devices for supporting said rods intermediate their ends each comprising a plate positioncd in the internal grooves of the rod, a bracket portion secured to said plate and extending` through the side opening in the rod, and means for attaching said supporting device to a portion of the frame.

2. In a loom harness frame, heddle supporting rods removably mounted therein, each comprisinternal grooves and a longitudinally extending side opening; and devices for supporting said rods intermediate their ends each comprising a plate positioned in the internal grooves of the rod,a bracket portion secured to sad plate and extending through the side opening in the rod, and means for/attachingsaid supporting device to a portion of the vfraxrie.

4. In a loom harness frame, heddle supporting I rods removably mounted therein, each comprising a thin metal member of flattened C shape in cross-section whereby said rod is provided with internal grooves and a longitudinally extending side opening; and devices for supporting said rods intermediate their ends each comprising a.` plate positioned in the internal grooves of the rod, a bracket portion secured to said plate and 5. In a loom harness frame, heddle supporting rods removably mounted therein, each comprising a. thin metal member of ilattened C shape in cross-section whereby said rod is provided with internal grooves and a longitudinally extending side opening; devices for supporting saidrods intermediate their ends each comprising a plate positioned'in the internal grooves of the rod, a bracket portion secured to said plate and extending through the side opening in thercd, and a'bolt portion adjustably mounted in a rail of the frame.

6. In a loom harness, a frame having heddle supporting rods removably mounted therein; said heddle supporting .rods comprising thin metal members of .ilattened C shape in cross-section whereby each of said lrods is provided with internal grooves and a longitudinally extending side opening; devices for supporting said rods intermediate their ends, each of saidsupporting devices' including a plate positioned in the internal grooves of the rod,` and a bracket portion secured to said plate and extending through the side opening in the rod; and thin iiat metal heddles each having a slot at each end'for mounting said heddles on the rods. the' metal on one side of each slot having an opening to permit the heddles to pass the bracket portions of the Supporting devices.

7. Ina. loom harness, a frame having heddle supporting rods removably mounted therein; said extending through the side opening in the rod,

and a. portion mounted in a rail of the frame.

heddle supporting rods comprising thin metal members of flattened cv shape in cross-section whereby each o! said rods is provided with internal grooves and a longitudinally extending side opening; devices for supporting said rods intermediate their ends, each of said supporting devices comprising a plate positioned in the internal grooves of the rod, a bracket portion secured to said plate and extending through the side opening in the rod, and means .for attaching said supporting device to a. rail of the frame;

and thin at metal heddles each having a slot at each end for mounting said heddles on the rods, the metal on one side of each slot having an opening to permit the heddles to pass the bracket portions of the supporting devices.

8. In a loom harness. a frame having heddle supporting rods removably mounted therein; said heddle supporting rods comprising thin metal members of flattened C shape in cross-section whereby each of said rods is provided with internal grooves and a longitudinally extending side" opening; devices for supporting said rods intermcdiate their ends, each of said supporting devices comprising a plate positioned in the internal grooves of the rod, a bracket portion secured to said plate and extending through the side opening in the rod, and a portion mounted in a rail of Athe frame; andthin t metal heddles each having a slot at each end for mounting said lieddles on the rods, the metal on one side of each slot having an opening to permit the heddles to pass the bracket portions of the supporting devices.

9. In a loom harness, a frame having heddle supporting rods removably mounted therein; said heddle supporting rods comprising thin metal members of flattened C shape'in cross-section whereby each of said rods is provided with internal grooves and a. longitudinally extending side opening; devices `for supporting said rods intermediate` their ends, each o! said supporting devices comprising a plate positioned in the internal grooves of the rod, a bracket portion secured to said plate and extending through the side opening in the rod, and a bolt portion adjustably mounted in a rail of the frame; and thin :dat metal heddles each having a slot at each end for mounting said heddles on the rods, the metal on one side of each slot having an opening to permit the heddles to pass the bracket portions of the supporting devices.

10. In a loom harness; a frame having heddle supporting rods removably mounted therein; said heddle supporting rods comprising thin metal members of flattened c shape in' cross-section whereby each of said rods is provided with internal grooves and a longitudinally extending side opening; devices for supporting said rods intermediate their ends, each of said supporting devices comprising a plate positioned in'the internal grooves of the rod, a bracket portion secured to said plate and extending through the side opening in the rod, and a bolt portion adiusta'oly mounted in arail of the trame; and thin flat metal heddles each having a slot at each end for mounting said heddles on the rods. the metal on one side of each slot having a centrally disposed opening to permit the heddles to pass the bracket portions of the supporting devices.

11. In a loom harness frame, heddle supporting rods removably mounted therein; means extending from the side of each rod for supporting said rod intermediate its ends; and thin flat metal heddles each having a slot at each end for mounting said heddles on the rods, the metal on one side of each slot having an opening to permit the heddles to pass the means for supporting the rods intermediate their ends. l

12. In a loom harness frame, heddle supporting rods removably mounted therein; means extending from the side oi each rod for supporting said rod intermediate its ends; and thin flat metal heddles each having a slot at each end for mounting said heddles on the rods, the metal on one side of each slot having a centrally disposed opening to permit the heddles to pass the means for supporting the rods intermediate their ends.

13. Loom harness particularly adaptable for having the warp ends entered therein by means of a warp drawing machine without removing the 25 heddles from the frames, said harness including a frame, heddle rods mounted therein, means extending irom the sides of the heddle rods for supporting the heddle rods intermediate their ends, and heddlesmounted on said rods, each of said heddles being made from a strip of thin iiat metal having a slot in each end portion for mounting the heddle on the supporting rods, the metal on one side of each slot having an opening to permit the heddle to pass the means for supporting the rods intermediate their ends, the central portion of each heddle being provided with the usual warp eye, a selector aperture, and a portion adapted to be engaged by the twisting mechanism of the warp drawing machine, the central portion and the two end portions oi the heddle being oi the full width of the strip and the parts between said central portion and said end portions being reduced in width thereby to minimize the strain on the end portions when the central portion is twisted in the warp drawing machine.

14. In a loom harness frame, a heddle supporting rod removably mounted therein, and means for supporting said rod intermediate its ends. said means including a plate for engagment with por- -tions of the rod between the upper and lower edges thereof, and a supporting bracket for'said plate connected to and extending from a side face of said plate.

15. In a loom harness frame, heddle supporting rods removably mounted therein; brackets for supporting said rods intermediate their ends', said brackets each having a portion extending sidewise and disposed in a plane between the upper and lower edges of the rod; and thin. iiat 6o metal heddles each having a slot at each end for mounting said heddles on the rods, the middle or one side of each slot having an opening to permit the heddles to pass the sidewise extending portion of the bracket. A i

JOHN JACOB KA 

